Pup owners listen up, because a new law is about to set in that will no doubt effect you.
From the beginning of April this year, it will be a legal requirement that pet owners get their dog microchipped.
The law was proposed in 2013 in a bid to cut the rising number of stray dogs.
The law will come into effect on the 6th, and people who do not comply could be faced with a £500 fine. Wowza.
The enforcement comes in response to the rising number of stray pups in the UK, as stats revealed that as many as 100,000 dogs are dumped or lost each year, which ends up costing £57 million each year in care from both welfare charities and tax money.
Sadly many of these dogs are never reunited with their owners – especially if they don’t have a microchip – and even more tragically, up to 7,000 per year end up being put down.
If the law doesn't get you down to the vets, then hopefully that number will!
According to the RSCPA’s fact sheet, any dog over eight weeks old will be legally required for the chip.
They state:
“It’s up to the breeder to microchip the dog and for each subsequent new owner to ensure the details have been changed and are up-to-date.
"A dog is only exempt from being microchipped if a vet certifies in writing that they cannot be microchipped for health reasons.”
While many charities and local authorities will offer the service for free, vets may charge around £15 for the job.
For all the info, check out more from the RSPCA fact sheet HERE.
The movement is also an aim to make dangerous dog owners take responsibility when incidents occur concerning their pets.
In response to the proposal in 2013, David Bowles, the RSPCA's head of public affairs told the BBC:
“On their own we don't believe they will make owners more responsible or ensure fewer dogs bite people or other animals.
"If the government are trying to tackle these, we don't see how compulsory microchipping will help reduce either of these figures.”
Have you got you pup microchipped already? If not make sure you book a slot to get it done – sooner rather than later.